I learned this lesson many years ago: If you love God and others, there is nothing in life that will bring you more peace and joy. Life is a gift from God. It begins at birth, and death is the end of our earthly journey and the beginning of life eternal. We were created to die and live with God forever. Our journey never ends.

There are many beautiful thoughts that we should never forget on life’s journey. I want to share some of those thoughts, which will cheer us up as we come to the end of our earthly stay.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox wrote:

“I know there are no errors in the great eternal plan,

And that all things work together for the final good of man.

And I know when my soul speeds onward, in the grand eternal quest, I shall say, as I look back earthward, whatever is - is best.”

All of us, if we are smart, should know that if we can’t say something good, it is better to say nothing.

Edward Richards reminds us:

“A wise old owl sat on an oak, the more he saw, the less he spoke; the less he spoke the more he heard; why aren’t we like that wise old bird?”

Beth Day gives us this valued advice:

If you are tempted to reveal,

A tale someone to you has told

About another, make it pass,

Before you speak, three gates of gold.

Three narrow gates: First, is it true?”

Then “Is it needful?” In your mind

Give truthful answer. And the next

Is last and narrowest, “Is it kind?”

And if to reach your lips at last,

It passes through these gateways three, Then you may tell the tale, nor fear What the result of speech may be.”

Never forget, God is always near. He knows our thoughts before we express them. He knows our needs before we pray. He knows our hurts before we call. We are never out of sight of God. He is always with us. He has prepared a place for us.

Annie Johnson Flint reminds us of some things we should never forget:

God hath not promised, skies always blue,

Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;

God hath not promised, sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, light for the way;

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

David said, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Isaiah said, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Robert V. Ozment is a retired United Methodist minister.